Best Rechargeable Headlamp: A Device to Help You See Better

Are you planning on camping, or hiking in the night? Or maybe you go jogging at night and you want to be seen by the cars? You will probably agree with us that these activities ask for the best rechargeable headlamp, since you’ll be using it often. However, with so much choice on the market, how do you make your pick?

A good headlamp will be able to help you see better in the dark and help to alert others of your presence – all the while allowing you to enjoy your favorite outdoors activities at night! On top of that, it shouldn’t die out on you and leave you helpless in the dark. After reading about certain features and designs of the top headlamps, you’ll be able to invest in the one that’s right for you.

This article will highlight various models so you can find the best rechargeable headlamp you can use in many different outdoor situations. We’ve written this article to help you spot the necessary features you should look for in one, like waterproof and durable materials, and also include a list of the top models on the market you should consider using.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Before buying an LED headlamp there are a few important features you need to look for in a model. Below are some of the top ones to consider before investing in any headlamp.

Waterproof and Durable Materials

If you plan to do outdoor activities like camping or hiking, you need to make sure the headlamp is waterproof and made of durable materials. If it starts to rain or you accidentally drop the headlamp on the ground, that shouldn’t suddenly cause it to break.

Waterproof and durable materials help to add an extra level of security to the headlamp. You’ll want to look for materials like aluminum housing around the lights and a waterproof elastic fabric that can withstand a little bit of wear and tear.

Light Modes

Many headlamps come with a variety of light modes which allow you to choose the type of light beam and sometimes even a certain color to emit. Many models usually have low, medium, and high settings and some even have red SOS flashing and strobe lights.

However, keep in mind that not all headlamps have these features. Some might only have low and high settings. If you prefer to have a headlamp with many modes always be sure to check for them before investing in one.

Light Output

Rechargeable headlamps are designed to be used outdoors or in very poorly lit situations. Because of this, always be sure to check how many lumens a light has. If you want a very bright light, you need to make sure the headlamp has a high lumen count.

However, keep in mind that sometimes the light might be a little too powerful. If you just plan to take a quick jog around the block during the night a high lumen count might be a little too bright and could irritate your eyes.

Tilting Abilities

Some headlamps sometimes come with a tilting feature. This is where the housing of the light can move up and down to help you see better in a certain direction. Headlamps often come with a 90 degree light tilting ability, but there are some that only move about 45 degrees. If you want to have a wide tilting angle with your headlamp be sure to check to see if the model you’re interested in has one.

Adjustability

Headlamps sometimes aren’t a universal fit which means that they might not fit well on some head sizes. It’s crucial to make sure that you can adjust the straps of the headlamp so it stays securely on your head. Otherwise, it might fall off.

Usually headlamps will have a buckle on them which you can use to adjust the strap lengths around your head. You just need to pull the strap through the buckle and secure and lock it into place. These features are some of the most important to look for when searching for a headlamp. The next section will highlight some of the top rechargeable headlamps on the market today, many of which have these crucial features.

Best Products on Today’s Market

Here are some of the best products as far as rechargeable headlamps are concerned.

The MergerGo Rechargeable LED Headlamp features a dark gray design and is made with a bright LED light that can emit light for up to 30 hours. This LED light has a wide light beam range and can be adjusted so you can shine it in a specific direction. There are 5 modes you can use with this: high, low, red, SOS flashing, and strobe.

This product has a special detachable camping light. This is the main one on the headlamp strap, but can be removed and hung in a tent. When done using it in your tent you can easily reattach it back onto the headlamp’s strap.

The strap is made with a comfortable elastic fabric. This will help it to fit your head better so it doesn’t irritate it or cause discomfort. Besides burning brightly, it is also waterproof. This means you won’t have to worry about it getting damaged in an unexpected rainfall. This model comes with a USB cord you can use to charge it. It will take up to 4-6 hours for a full charge.

PROS:

Comes in other styles, like black

Lightweight

Very durable – a lifespan up to 30,000 hours

CONS:

Certain light modes will only last for a certain amount of time

You have to use a cable to recharge it so you need to be near an outlet or electronic device to do so

Related: Occasionally, you might need to replace the USB charging cord of your headlamp. When you do, you can use the Generic Super SH USB Cable. This cord measures 3 feet long and comes in a few different pack choices. It works quickly and is designed with a durable wire coating.

The STCT Street Cat Rechargeable LED Headlamp wraps securely around your head with its elastic blue straps. One strap will secure itself around the circumference of your head and the other will go over it to add extra support.

This headlamp features a light that has 3 different modes: low, high, and flashing. You can adjust each mode with the button on top of the light depending on your preferences. This button will also help you to dim the light if it gets to be too bright in certain situations.

The light is also made with a unique zooming feature. This will allow you to adjust the light beam to have a wider or more focused stream of light. The light has a 90 degree vertical rotation feature so you can move the light up or down to get a clearer view.

To charge this headlamp it comes with a USB charger you can use to plug it into an electronic device. It takes about 4-6 hours for a full charge.

PROS:

Available in an orange design

Its LED light has a lifespan of 30,000 hours

Made of durable materials

CONS:

The high and flash light settings only run for 4 hours

No charging light indicator

Related: If you want to change out the strap of your headlamp or need to replace it, Third Eye Headlamps Replacement Straps are something to check out. These come in many different designs, like floral and galaxy, and are made with a comfortable fabric. This fabric will rest snugly against your head but not so as to cause irritation. They measure 1 inch wide and fit most headlamp models.

This model has lights that burn at 6000 lumens and features 3 lights on it. One is a main light that will emit a bright light and the other two are located on the left and right sides of the main light.

The lights have 4 modes you can choose from: low, mid, high, and strobe. These lights have the ability to move 90 degrees up and down so you can adjust them depending on your preferences. You can use the switch on the top of the lights to do so.

Also included on the side of the headlamp is a USB charger cord. You can plug this cord into a device to charge it back up. It will take it about 5-8 hours to achieve a full charge.

The battery pack is located on the back of the headlamp so it’s easy to reach. It will emit a bright red light to alert you to when it needs to be charged.

PROS:

The lights have a lifespan up to 100,000 hours

Burns extremely bright

Housing is made of a durable aluminum material

CONS:

It tends to be a little heavy

The USB charger connector sometimes doesn’t work as well as it should

Related: The Anglin 5800 mAh Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery is ideal to have on hand if you need to replace your headlamp’s battery. These can easily fit into the IceFox LED Headlamp and can be recharged up 1,800 times. It comes in a set of four and two portable smart chargers you can use to charge them up.

The Neolight LED Waterproof Headlamp features a mix of 5 lights. Three large lights are located on the top and 2 smaller ones beneath them. They can be controlled with a button that’s on the top of the lights.

The lights also have 6 different modes. Each time you press the button on the top of them one light will turn on so you can choose to have as many as you want shining. They have 8000 lumens and have a lifespan of up to 100,000 hours. The beam can reach up to 985 feet so you’ll have a clear view wherever you use the headlamp.

This waterproof model has an adjustable strap which you can use to help it better fit your head. The strap’s interior is lined with rubber strips to help it rest on your head more comfortably.

The strap also features a USB wire on the side that you can connect to a device to charge it. It will take up to 3 hours for it to have a 6-8 hour full charge.

To help alert you to when you need to charge it there is a red flash on the battery pack. This battery pack is located on the back of the headlamp to help make wearing it a little more comfortable.

PROS:

The lights burn brightly

Housing is made of a durable aluminum alloy material

You can easily put it over hats

CONS:

It tends to be a little bulky

Strap isn’t very durable

Related: The Skywolfeye 5800mAh Li-ion Rechargeable Batteries comes with a set of 10 battery pieces. These 5800 mAh Li-Ion batteries can be charged up to 1,800 times. The batteries included can last up to 10 years and recharge quickly. They are also made with durable materials so they don’t break easily. Besides being durable, they also feature a stylish black and green design.

The MsForce Rechargeable LED Headlamp features stretchable straps that wrap around and over your head. These straps are made with a comfortable material and are designed to help ensure the headlamp stays securely on your head. Attached to the front of the straps are the lights which are covered in a strong aluminum alloy and rubber construction.

This product has 3 built-in LED lights that have 4 different modes. These include battery saver, medium, ultra bright, and blink. You can change between modes with the button located on the top of the light housing.

These lights run on 6000 lumens and have a focusing feature so you can have a wide or narrow beam shining. The light housing is also adjustable and can rotate vertically 90 degrees up and down.

On the back of the headlamp you’ll find a battery holder. This holder will alert you to when you need to charge the battery with a red light.

PROS:

Comfortable to wear

Bright light

Lightweight

CONS:

Short battery life

It doesn’t do well in a lot of water

Related: To help you have even more light when using your headlamp, you can use the MsForce LED Flashlights. This product comes in a set of two flashlights: one large and one small. The large flashlight runs on 2000 lumens and has 5 different light modes you can choose from. Both of the flashlights are made of a durable aluminum body and come with many helpful features, like a focusing effect.

The Foxelli USB Rechargeable Headlamp is made of water and impact resistant materials. This means if it starts to rain or you accidentally drop the headlamp it won’t be ruined or damaged.

Built into this headlamp are powerful LED lights that have a 180 lumen output and work on 5 different modes: high, low, strobe, red, and red SOS.

You can switch between modes with the control button located on the top of the light housing. The light housing is also adjustable. You can move it up or down thanks to its 45 degree tilting ability.

On a full charge, the low setting of the lights can run for up to 100 hours while the high setting can run up to 8 hours. When you need to charge the battery, you can do so with the 2 mini USB charging cables that come with it. You can simply just attach one end to the headlamp and another to a device where it will take about 4 hours to reach a full charge.

PROS:

Affordable and durable

Pretty lightweight

Available in many other stylish designs

CONS:

The control button can be sometimes difficult to use

The strap isn’t necessarily made with the most comfortable materials

Related: Running outdoors with your headlamp can help to make doing so safe, but to add an extra level of security you can use the LE LED Safety Lights. They come in a pack of 2 or 4 and will emit a red light. This red light has 3 different modes you can use and can be attached to your clothing or other products with its velcro straps and clips. The lights are compact so they won’t take up much space and are water-resistant.

The NOPTEG LED Outdoor Headlamp features adjustable straps that are made of elastic and have an interior lining of a plastic sponge padding. This elastic helps to mold to your head so the headlamp fits comfortably. On the top of the headlamp you’ll find a buckle which you can use to help secure this product to your head.

On the front of this headlamp is the powerful 1800 lumen LED light which can run for up to 30 hours on a full charge. This light also has a 180 degree rotating ability as well as a zooming feature so you can adjust the beam focus levels.

The LED light has 3 modes built into it: low, high, and strobe you can use and adjust depending on your current situation. When you’re done using the light you can protect its lens with the aluminum alloy cap that comes with this product.

When it comes time to charge the battery, you can take the flex wire on the side of the headlamp and attach it to a device to charge. It takes about 4 hours for the battery to reach a full charge.

PROS:

The light is bright

A lifespan up to 100,000 hours

Made of durable materials

CONS:

The zooming feature might not work very well

The light modes can be a little difficult to adjust

Related: When your headlamp’s rechargeable battery needs to be replaced, you can use UltraFire 18650 Rechargeable Batteries. This battery pack comes with two batteries that run at 3000 mAh. You can use the charger that comes with it to charge the batteries which will take about 5-7 hours for a full charge. This charger also has a light indicator so you can keep track of the current charging status.

On the front of this headlamp are LED lights. The largest light, a white LED that runs on 160 lumens, is located in the center. On the right and left sides of it are two small red lights.

You can control which lights you’d like to have on with the 2 button control on the top of the light housing. The light housing has an adjustable 45 degree tilting feature so you can have the light shine in a specific area better. If needed, you can remove the light from the housing.

This waterproof headlamp can be recharged with a USB cord. You can attach one end of the cord to the headlamp’s port and another to an electronic device.

PROS:

Available in many different style choices

Made of durable materials

Comfortable to wear

CONS:

The light might not be very bright

The flashing mode can be a little too quick

Related: The iXCC USB Cable is perfect to use to help recharge your headlamp. This cable measures 10 feet long and is made with tinned copper wires. These wires work to help quickly charge your headlamp without causing it to overheat. This cable is made of durable materials so bending it to reach a certain port won’t damage it.

Wrap Up

The products listed above are some of the top ones available on the market today. Each product caters to different needs which is very helpful.

If you’re looking for a simple headlamp to use when you run around the block, the Flagship-X Phoenix LED Headlamp is one you should check out. If you’re looking for a more advanced model for camping or hiking, the MergerGo LED Headlamp is one you should look at.

No matter which rechargeable headlamp you choose though you can rest assured that it will help to clearly light the way no matter where you use it. Do you think there are other rechargeable headlamps that should have made the list? If you do, leave a comment with your thoughts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dennis Owens

Dennis Owens is a graduate of National Camping School and REI Outdoor School. He knows everything about what gear to take with you, how to plan your trip to stay safe and what to do if you get lost in the mountains. We are lucky to have Dennis with us as he is a ‘walking encyclopedia’ when it comes to the wilderness.

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